Meet Tim Owens, an instructor in the Digital Filmmaking & Video Production program at F.I.R.S.T. Institute. Tim realized his love for the film industry at an early age being around such creative family members. His dad, for example, dabbled in many different industries including public relations, music, and radio. Tim was handed a video camera as a kid and the rest is history. Now he takes this passion into the classroom to inspire the many students that walk the halls of F.I.R.S.T. Institute.
Sometimes You Need A Little Soul-Searching
Tim Owens knew he wanted to study something creative and with a little bit of soul-searching, decided to obtain a degree in Radio and Television Communications. While in college, Tim had his own radio show, produced many student TV shows, and soon after college went on to become a Television Producer/Director at Time Warner Media.
Tim’s Time at Time Warner
Tim recalls his time at Time Warner starting as a field technician installing cable, but later moving up to work in production making television commercials as well as short-form and long-form video content for the company. Tim has always appreciated the flexibility of this industry. In his spare time Tim would act as a freelance videographer, allowing him the freedom to work for and with reputable companies and organizations such as NCAA college sports, ESPN, The Catholic Diocese, various Ivy league women’s sporting events, and even weddings.
From Behind the Camera to “In the Action”
Tim Owens has many accomplishments under his belt that range from his camerawork to his time as an actor! Tim has created music videos and even works as an electronic musician making electronic dance music for many record labels. He is proud to say that he wrote, directed, and starred in multiple television commercials as well. Tim gives thanks to his biggest role model, his father, who has a big name in the entertainment industry. He also pays tribute to some well-known role models such as Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Quentin Tarantino, and Danny Boyle.
From Filmmaking to F.I.R.S.T. Institute
Tim Owens found a love for teaching when he assumed the role of Production Manager for a church. Each week, Tim spent countless hours leading the audio-visual team through live broadcasts and various productions. While teaching the team, Tim fostered this love and wanted to continue educating, so he moved his talents to F.I.R.S.T. Institute where he is an instructor in the Digital Filmmaking & Video Production program. Tim says that his favorite part of teaching in this program is watching students “make stuff.” “I get to instruct them for a time, and then I get to watch them make stuff. It truly is fulfilling.”
Tim Finds His F.I.R.S.T. Family
Tim details that he loves the intimate environment that F.I.R.S.T. Institute presents. The hands-on class atmosphere makes the school feel like a family. He loves that he gets one-on-one time with each and every student to give more personalized instruction to his classes. Tim explains that the accessibility of the gear makes all of the students excited to get their hands on the industry equipment and dive into their projects head first.
Tim Owens Credits the Music Video Project
Tim admits that his favorite subject to teach in the program is the history of film with its early challenges and common knowledge terms that are still used today. He says, “They had to think on their feet. Most of the time creating makeshift gear to accomplish certain shots. Gear that commonly exists in the industry today.” Tim explains that his favorite project in the program is the Music Video Project because it combines his two loves of music and film and gives the students full creativity freedom to express their musical interests as well as filming talent.
Advice for Future Film Students
Tim Owens offers advice for anyone interested in film, looking to make a career out of it: prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Always aim high in your life but be realistic about your career choices. And being smart in your career doesn’t stop once you’ve landed a job! Always focus on creating achievable goals for yourself; don’t overpromise and underdeliver or you won’t gain the trust that is needed in the industry. Tim explains that coming face-to-face with failure, learning to accept his mistakes, and then moving forward afterwards has helped him in his teaching at F.I.R.S.T. Institute.
Why Tim Believes F.I.R.S.T.’s Film Program Stands Out
Tim details how incredibly intimate, rewarding, and hands-on the Digital Filmmaking & Video Production program is at F.I.R.S.T. Institute. He explains that everything you need is inside the walls of F.I.R.S.T. From camera techniques, editing software, industry-standard equipment to career development, networking opportunities, and internship opportunities, F.I.R.S.T Institute is the best place for students to learn the basics and get their foot in the door in the industry.
